“...after the fire came a gentle whisper” (I Kings 19:12)
Being the optimist that I am, I originally thought the title was going to be unique to this devotional, but I soon discovered that at least one other author has used it before. Granger E. Westberg, a Lutheran clergyman and professor, wrote a still popular book of this title in 1962 as he studied the grief process. He observed that in going through a significant grief experience we come out of it as different people: “Depending on the way we respond to this event, we are either stronger people than we were before, or weaker; either healthier in spirit or sicker.” Those of us who are Christians know that religious faith developed when times are good, matures and assures us that we are not alone now or in the future, for God is with us and God is good.
In light of a number of death notices recently, I have been thinking of the “upside” of grief in the life of believers. First, different types of grief occur in life. To become part of the family of God requires confessing and repenting of personal sin with godly sorrow. But being a follower of Jesus Christ does not spare us from also grieving the loss of health, or independence due to aging, family relationships, jobs and friends. With God’s help, we can face loss, endure suffering, find healing, gain insight, develop spiritual maturity, grow in strength, and finally help ourselves and others move forward. Many examples of this appear in the Bible, such as Job ultimately concluding, “I know that my Redeemer lives...in my flesh I shall see God...I myself...” (Job 19:25-27). The fiery testing of his faith had not destroyed Job’s trust in God. Another example is David grieving the death of his son in 2 Samuel 12:15-23 and showing acceptance: “Then David got up from the ground. After he had washed, put on lotions and changed his clothes, he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped...”How could he “get up”? Because he found comfort in this assurance: “I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me (v.22).
The key is to grieve with God, Who grieves with us (Lam. 19-25). I am reminded of the funeral of my nephew, Michael, a Marine vet. The military portion of the service was held outside in front of the church. At its conclusion, the family and guests followed the casket into the sanctuary for continuation of the service, with the pastor leading the procession and quoting one scripture after another from both Old and New Testaments in a resonating, authoritative voice: Ps. 23, 90, 91, 121; I Cor.15; Rom.8; John 14; Rev.21, 22—so deeply moving! God’s Word seemed to be charging the air! The message clearly was that through faith, hope overcomes despair and light overcomes darkness.
The Apostle’s Creed expresses the belief that life is not ended but transformed in death. In November we celebrated All Saints Day on the 1st, celebrating saints of the Church, known and unknown, followed the next day by All Souls Day, in remembrance of all those no longer living. A song by William W. How reminds us that we are as believers in Jesus Christ all saints, standing clothed in His righteousness. Hebrews 11 is the “Hall of Faith” chapter listing past saints who are commended for their faith and Hebrews 12 follows with the charge for those still living to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” for we are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” How’s hymn was originally 11 stanza’s long. Here are three:
For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, O Jesus, be forever blest.
Alleluia, Allelulia!
O may thy soldiers, faithful, true, and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!
Good grief? Yes, because we grieve not as those who have no hope!